Author(s): Danko, Cristina Carvalho ; Duarte, António A. L. Sampaio
Date: 2009
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/1822/18464
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Subject(s): Learning by project; Bologna Declaration; Civil engineering; large classes; Collaborative work; Social Sciences; Science & Technology
Newer approaches to teaching are being promoted by the onset of the Bologna Declaration. This paper describes the implementation of a methodology for promoting independent group work using tutorial techniques in the context of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) course included in the undergraduate Civil Engineering programme at the University of Minho. The authors were faced with a multi-faceted problem: managing and motivating a large class of civil engineering students in a transdisciplinary and non-traditional civil engineering setting. Given the size of the class and the nature of the course, the authors decided to adopt, for the practical sessions, an approach based on semi-independent group work monitored via a series of scheduled progress meetings. At the end of the semester, the students were required to anonymously fill out a questionnaire regarding the class. The vast majority of the students felt that they were encouraged to express their points of view and in doing so, question the teacher in her own opinions and perceptions. Also, there was a general agreement that schedules were met according to what had been initially planned. An overwhelming majority felt there was concern and interest about the students, an observation supported by a general perception of encouragement, by the teacher, of their participating in the course’s activities. When asked whether they would recommend the methodology implemented in the practical sessions to future students, the majority would do so, despite the great effort that would be required on their part. The freedom to manage their own work schedules was particularly appreciated, especially by students with heavier workloads from other courses. Also, the ability to conduct independent work was mentioned by some as an advantageous aspect of the course, particularly when given the chance to select topics more agreeable to their interests.
